Traveling Asia on a budget is more doable than you might think. I spent 58 days exploring Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Cambodia—all for less than $5,000, including airfare. With budget stays, local food, and smart planning, I made it work without missing out. If you’ve been dreaming of a long trip through Asia without overspending, I’ll show you exactly how I did it.
Planning and Budgeting
To make traveling Asia on a budget work, I started with a simple spreadsheet. I listed out the main categories like flights, accommodations, food, transportation, and activities. Then I assigned a budget to each based on my total goal of $5,000.
I broke it down by country and by day so I could easily adjust depending on how expensive each place was. This gave me a clear picture of where my money would go and helped me stay organized from the start.
I spent time researching prices in advance, comparing flights, places to stay, and different ways to get around. I looked for the best value and used that information to shape my route and timeline.
That spreadsheet was my guide throughout the trip. It kept me on track without making me feel restricted. With a solid plan in place, I was free to enjoy the experience without worrying about every dollar
Traveling Asia on a Budget
Here’s a breakdown of how I spent less than $5,000 for 58 days of traveling Asia:
1. Airfare (Round Trip to Asia)
Cost: $961
I found a great deal on flights by being flexible with my travel dates and comparing different airlines. Since this was a multi-city trip, it turned out to be both affordable and convenient—perfect for traveling Asia on a budget. I started with a direct flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo, which made the long journey much more comfortable.
On the way back, I flew from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, to LAX with two layovers. While layovers can sometimes be tiring, these were actually quite manageable. The wait times were reasonable, giving me time to rest and stretch without feeling rushed.
Choosing a multi-city itinerary was one of the best ways to visit multiple countries while keeping my airfare costs low and staying true to my budget. It allowed me to make the most of my travel experience without overspending.
2. Accommodation (58 Nights)
Cost: $1,160
During my 58-day trip, I stayed in budget-friendly hostels, guesthouses, and affordable hotels, averaging around $20 per night. Most places were clean, comfortable, and offered free Wi-Fi, with a few even including breakfast.
Accommodation costs were highest in Japan, where I averaged about $30 per night. In contrast, I found great deals in Vietnam, Cambodia, and South Korea, where my stays averaged just $15 per night.
Every now and then, I treated myself to something nicer. One of my favorites was a four-star hotel in Siem Reap, Cambodia, where I enjoyed a beautiful suite all to myself.
Traveling Asia on a budget doesn’t mean giving up comfort. It just means knowing where to look and choosing places that offer the best value for your money.
3. Food
Cost: $900
Traveling Asia on a budget meant finding ways to save on food while still enjoying great meals. I spent about $15 a day on average. In Japan, where food is more expensive, I saved money by cooking my own meals at hostels that had kitchens.
In places like Vietnam and Cambodia, food was much cheaper. I ate a lot of street food and at local restaurants, where meals cost between $2 and $8. The food was delicious and very affordable.
By cooking sometimes and eating cheap local food, I kept my food costs low while enjoying all the amazing flavors Asia has to offer.
4. Transportation (Within Asia)
Cost: $1,050
Traveling Asia on a budget meant using affordable transportation options like budget airlines, trains, buses, and local transport such as tuk-tuks and motorbikes. Public transportation was not only cheap but also a great way to see how locals live.
A big portion of my transportation costs came from flying between countries. I took six flights in total, which helped me travel quickly and efficiently across Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia and Bangkok. Using budget airlines kept these costs affordable.
In Japan and Korea, subways were the easiest and most affordable way to travel around cities. They were reliable and covered most areas I wanted to visit. In Vietnam and Cambodia, since there are no subways, I used local buses to travel between places at a low cost.
For shorter trips within cities, I used motorbikes and tuk-tuks when the distance was too far to walk. However, if it was within 3 miles, I preferred walking to save money and enjoy the sights. By combining flights, public transport, and walking, I kept my transportation costs low while fully experiencing local life.
5. Activities and Attractions
Cost: $500
I spent my time visiting temples, national parks, museums, and markets. Many of these places were free or had small entrance fees, usually between $5 and $15 per site.
I also treated myself to a few special activities, like visiting water parks and joining guided tours. These cost a bit more, around $25 to $50 each, but they were worth it for the experience. By mixing free or low-cost attractions with occasional splurges, I enjoyed a variety of fun and memorable activities while staying within my budget.
6. Miscellaneous
Cost: $300
Traveling Asia on a budget also meant planning for extras. This category covered things like travel insurance, data coverage for my phone, a few souvenirs, laundry, snacks, and small unexpected expenses. These little costs added up, but I kept them manageable by being mindful of my spending.
Having a small budget for miscellaneous items ensured I could handle surprises without overspending, making my trip smoother and stress-free.
Total Expenses:
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Airfare | $961 |
| Accommodation | $1,160 |
| Food | $900 |
| Transportation | $1050 |
| Activities/Attractions | $550 |
| Miscellaneous | $300 |
| Total | $4,921 |
Traveling Asia for 58 Days on a Budget
Traveling Asia on a budget for 58 days was an incredible experience that taught me the value of planning and making smart choices. With a focus on affordability and flexibility, I was able to explore multiple countries, immerse myself in different cultures, and create unforgettable memories—all for under $5,000.
This journey showed me that with the right mindset and a bit of effort, long-term travel doesn’t have to be expensive. If you’re dreaming of traveling Asia without overspending, it’s absolutely possible to make it happen. Start planning, be resourceful, and enjoy the adventure!
